Four Management Styles

As mentioned, the correct management style depends on the situation, which in turn, is a function of employee capability. Each of the four management styles also involves carious degrees of supportive and directive behavior. The four situational management styles are autocratic, consultative, participative, and empowerment.

Style 1

• Autocratic Style involves high-directive/low-supportive behavior (HD/LS) and is appropriate when interacting with low-capability employees (C1). When interacting with employees, gibe very detailed instructions describing exactly what the task is and when, where, and how to perform it. Closely oversee performance and give some support. The majority of time with the employees is spent gibing directions. Make decisions without input from the employees.

Style 2

• Consultative style involves high-directive/high-supportive behavior (HD/HS) and is appropriate when interacting with moderately capable employees (C2). Give specific instructions as well as overseeing performance at all major stages through completion. At the same time, support the employees by explaining why the task should be performed explaining why the task should be performed as requested and answering their questions. Work on relationships as you sell the benefits of completing the task your way. Give fairly equal amount of time to directing and supporting employees. When making decisions, you may consult employees, but still have the final say. Once you make the decision, which can incorporate employees ideas, direct and oversee their performance.

Style 3

• Participative style is characterized by low-directive/high-supportive behavior (LD/HS) and is appropriate when interacting with employees with high capability (C3). When interacting with employees, spend a small amount of time giving general directions and a great deal of time giving encouragement. Spend limited time overseeing performance, letting employees do the task their way while focusing on the end result. Support the employees by encouraging them and building up their self-confidence. If a task needs to be done, dont tell them how to do it; ask them how they will accomplish it. Make decisions together or allow employees to make the decisions subject to your limitations and approval.

Style 4

• Empowerment style entails low-directive/low-supportive behavior (LD/LS) and is appropriate when interacting with outstanding employees (C4). When interacting with these employees, merely let them know wheat needs to be done. Answer their questions, but provide little, if any, directions. It is not necessary to oversee performance. These employees are highly motivated and need little, if any, support. Allow these employees to make their own decisions subject to your limitations, although approval will not be necessary. Other terms for empowerment would be Laissez-faire or hands off; let them alone to do their own thing.

1. Select any two management styles of your choice.

2. Write up a two paragraph description of a past or present boss, manager, supervisor, coach or teacher that used each style selected in number 2 above. Be sure to give specific details of what the person actually did that matches up with each style chosen. i.e. in what ways were they autocratic or participatory or